I have an infection that affected both of my butts after fat transfer 2months ago which is still draining,is this fat necrosis?

Question

I had my lipo and bbl done in sept 2018 and a week after, I had an infection. I went back to see my surgeon,he told me its an abscess,he performed I and D. I have been draining for the past 5weeks now. My left butt is totally out as all the fat has drained out, my right butt is also in the process of flattening out. Is this fat necrosis or just an abscess and will it stop? Is it dangerous?D 1st spot healed up and opened up in 2 places after a week.I have sudden shocks and sharp pain in my butt.

Michael J. Denk, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately you’re experiencing the effects of fat necrosis. If your skin is red, inflamed and really sore you have an infected component as well. You need follow up care and assessment by a plastic surgeon experienced in fat grafting. Local wound care measures, warm soaks, and massage should help resolve things quicker. You may very well need additional I&D; however, it’s difficult to determine without seeing you. If your unable to be cared for by the PS who operated on you, you need to find one that’s sympathetic to your situation and listen to him. All is not lost, but you do require good care. Best of luck.

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

I'm very saddened that this happened to you. I is hard to tell if this is infection or fat necrosis merely from looking at the photos. If you have fever / chills / redness / warmth of the area to the touch then this is infection. If not then it is likely fat necrosis. Make sure that you stay in close contact with your surgeon and you should be on antibiotics. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

Richard Baker, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Dear Virtuouswoman,
I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time after having a BBL. From the drainage of fluid from your wounds several weeks after surgery I suspect it is, as you suggest, fat necrosis. Provided there are no signs of infection (increasing pain, swelling, tenderness, fever, redness, feeling unwell) then it's unlikely to be an abscess. You've had one surgical washout but it's likely that further necrosis has occurred since then. The fluid is likely to continue to drain until the necrosis has stopped. It's not dangerous but if you develop any of the signs of infection I've mentioned above, you must see your doctor. 
I hope this settles down for you,
Richard Baker

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

you should've been healed by now. Please follow up with her doctor. Most likely your I and D was not sufficient enough and you have a dead tissue that needs to be removed.  If your doctor does not handle this appropriately then I suggest getting a second opinion.  Infections should be dealt with aggressively and rapidly.Best,Mats Hagstrom, MD

I have an infection that affected both of my butts after fat transfer 2months ago which is still draining,is this fat necrosis?

Answers (4)

Answer: Proper treatment

Answer: Proper treatment

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have an infection that affected both of my butts after fat transfer 2months ago which is still draining,is this fat necrosis?

Answers (4)

Answer: Proper treatment

Answer: Proper treatment

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.